White Smoke
on Goodreads (18,954)
What’s inside...
In Tiffany D. Jackson's chilling YA psychological thriller, Marigold is trying to escape the ghosts of her past by moving with her blended family to Cedarville. In their new home provided by the Sterling Foundation, Mari faces not only eerie phenomena like vanishing items and voices in the walls, but also tension with her new stepsister, Piper, who claims to have a friend who wants Mari gone. As Mari discovers, the danger extends beyond her home, enveloping the entire town with its dark secrets.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-17
Length
373 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Marigold's experiences with the haunted house make you feel, and why do you think the author chose to write about these events?
What are some ways that the family in 'White Smoke' tries to overcome their challenges? Can you relate to any of their strategies?
Why do you think trust and communication are important themes in this book?
How do you think the setting of the story affects the characters and the plot? Would it be different if it was set somewhere else?
What did you learn about dealing with fears from Marigold's experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage open dialogue by sharing your own thoughts and feelings about the book’s themes, setting a comfortable tone for your child to express themselves.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the book's events and their own life, which can help them relate to the characters and understand the themes better.
Discuss the characters’ decisions and actions, and ask your child what they would have done differently, fostering critical thinking.
Highlight the growth of the characters throughout the book to reinforce the importance of personal development and resilience.
Use examples from the book to discuss bigger life lessons, such as dealing with new environments or the importance of family support.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming fears
Explanation: In 'White Smoke,' the protagonist deals with numerous fears after moving to a new town filled with mysterious occurrences. Through courage and resilience, she learns to confront and manage her fears instead of letting them control her.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing their own fears and understanding that facing them is often the first step towards overcoming them. This can help in building their confidence and resilience in everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Importance of family support
Explanation: Throughout the novel, the importance of family is emphasized as the protagonist relies on her family's support to navigate the challenges of her new environment. Their collective strength helps them to tackle unexpected mysteries.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of leaning on family during tough times and working together to solve problems. It encourages open communication and reliance on loved ones for emotional and practical support.
Example Lesson: Adapting to change
Explanation: The main character's move to a new city serves as a backdrop for the theme of adapting to change. She learns to adjust to a new environment and overcome the difficulties it presents.
Real-World Application: Children learn that change is a constant aspect of life and developing adaptability can help them transition more smoothly. This is applicable in situations like moving to a new school, meeting new people, or trying new activities.
Example Lesson: Unraveling mysteries requires critical thinking
Explanation: As mysteries unfold in 'White Smoke,' the protagonist uses critical thinking and problem-solving skills to uncover truths and find solutions.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of critical thinking in everyday life. Children can use these skills to ask important questions and find logical solutions to their problems, enhancing their decision-making process.